Peter Smith
⬤ SpaceX rolled out specs for its Starlink V3 platform, showing a massive leap in network capacity. Each satellite weighs around 1,900-2,000 kg and handles up to 1 terabit per second of downlink throughput—roughly ten times what current V2 Mini satellites can manage. Elon Musk confirmed that scaling up these larger satellites with high-speed laser links "simply works," showing SpaceX is ready to move fast on deployment. The size difference is striking: V3 units are significantly bigger than both V1.5 and V2 generations, with larger solar arrays and heavier structures needed to power terabit-level performance.
⬤ The satellites pack upgraded laser interlink systems that speed up data transfers across the constellation while cutting down dependence on ground stations. This means Starlink V3 can handle higher global bandwidth demand and support more advanced broadband, mobility, and enterprise services. The physical upgrades are clear—bigger solar panels and more mass reflect the power requirements for this level of throughput.
⬤ Starship will be key to getting Starlink V3 into orbit, with each launch carrying about 60 satellites. Musk's comments suggest the company is confident about pairing the new satellite design with its heavy-lift rocket, which is built to deploy large batches efficiently. If Starship hits its operational and regulatory targets, launches could kick off as early as 2026. This combination of bigger satellites and high-volume launches represents a major push to expand Starlink's global footprint.
Peter Smith
